WEEK 53 | The Lowry | 28 April - 8 May
Week 53 Festival brings together 200 international artists over eleven days, comprising 63 performances and exhibitions. With innovative and provocative content shown in a series of spaces, including those normally off-limits to the public, it’s all about rewarding the ‘compulsively curious’. Full programme here.
The Lowry, Pier 8, The Quays, Salford M50 3AZ (various times and prices).
PELICAN | Gorilla | Tuesday 3 May
Chicago's celebrated torchbearers of instrumental metal are returning to Europe for a string of dates this spring; bringing their dense, meditative sounds, effectual melodies and distorted atmospheric prowess to Manchester. This marks the band’s first European tour since the successes of their innovative 2013 LP Forever Becoming.
Gorilla, 54-56 Whitworth Street West, M1 5WW (7.30pm; tickets £15.95 at seetickets.com).
PelicanNISHA KATONA: PIMP MY RICE | Waterstones | Wednesday 4 May
As well as supporting the homeless with her recent Booth Centre project, Mowgli founder and YouTube curry evangelist Nisha Katona is now adding author to her repertoire, with Pimp My Rice; a globe-spanning recipe book on the world’s greatest food staple. Expect everything from a sturdy builder’s breakfast to gold leaf and white truffle risotto, taking in juniper and lemon curd rice pudding along the way. Katona will be at Waterstones this Wednesday for a cookery demo and book signing.
Waterstones, 91 Deansgate, M3 2BW (9pm; tickets £4 from waterstones.com).
ANASTACIA | Albert Hall | Thursday 5 May
American singer-songwriter Anastacia hits Albert Hall this week, with a backlog spanning 25 years of hits: including multi-platinum smash I’m Outta Love and international chart-toppers Paid My Dues and One Day In Your Life. With her distinctive mezzo-soprano voice, a powerful live performance is guaranteed.
Albert Hall, 27 Peter Street, M2 5QR (7-11pm; tickets from £35 at alberthallmanchester.com).
AnastaciaTHE ODDITY | Hope Mill Theatre | 5-7 May
In this contemporary exploration of The Odyssey, we meet Tilly, a young girl lost between ancient fiction and modern reality. Out of Nowhere Theatre strays into the territories of fantasy, modern families, absent parents and growing up in this dark, humorous tale.
Hope Mill Theatre, Hope Mill, 113 Pollard Street, M4 7JA (8pm; tickets £12 at ticketsource.co.uk).
PILOT LIGHT TV FESTIVAL | HOME, Gorilla, MediaCity | 5-8 May
A brand new TV festival, Pilot Light is entering into the city’s festival melee with all guns blazing. A focus on the world’s best episodic content means viewers can look forward to cult TV classics, actor Q&As and even a glimpse at the shows that never made it to the screen. Events at HOME kick-off with an exclusive Season 2 premiere of UKTV’s Hoff the Record, a critically acclaimed British comedy following 80’s icon David Hasselhoff as he looks for new career opportunities in the UK.
While TV is a major part of pop culture, it’s typically watched alone. Pilot Light turns that idea on its head with a totally new, communal TV experience - HOME
Various; check the website.
SPIN CYCLING FESTIVAL | Victoria Warehouse | 6-8 May
Spin Fest freewheels into Manchester this weekend for an eclectic mix of art, inspiration, fashion, innovation, music, alongside 150 of the UK’s most 'forward-thinking' cycling brands. What’s more, Manchester Confidential readers can take advantage of 2-4-1 tickets. Whether you’re a road cyclist, weekend warrior, super commuter, single speeder, art lover or coffee aficionado, get on yer bike and head to Victoria Warehouse.
Victoria Warehouse, Trafford Wharf Road, M17 1AB (various times; check the website).
SPRING SHOWDOWN | Alexandra Park | Saturday 7 May
As part of Alexandra Arts’ Pankhurst in the Park, award-winning Suffragette director Sarah Gavron joins Artist In Residence Bunny Collective for a weekend of film, frolics and feminism: from woodland exhibitions to a party in the Tea Hive Pavilion. It’s free too (registration required for Sarah Gavron Q&A).
Alexandra Park, 180 Russell Street, M16 7JL (Sat 2pm, Sun 12am; free).
SuffragetteCROLLA V BARROSO & KHAN V ALVAREZ | Manchester 235 | Saturday 7 May
It’s a boxing bonanza this weekend as Anthony Crolla goes head to head with Ismael Barroso, followed by Amir Khan v. Saul Alvarez. Manchester235 will be showing both flights in their private lounge: for £10, viewers can enjoy an exclusive live screening plus three bottles of beer and a free bet to play on Blackjack and Roulette.
Manchester 235 Great Northern, 2 Watson Street, M3 4LP (starts 7.30pm; tickets £10 at manchester235.com).
FREE COMIC BOOK DAY | Travelling Man | Saturday 7 May
Whoever said that nothing in life comes free obviously didn’t know about Free Comic Book Day; an international event designed to introduce people to the world of comics, happily by handing shed-loads out completely gratis. NQ’s Travelling Man gave away a phenomenal 23,000 last year and are back in the game for 2016. If that wasn’t generous enough, they’re also offering free doughnuts and coffee for those who are first to arrive.
Travelling Man, 4 Dale Street, M1 1JW (starts 8am; free).
THE VICTOR BROX BLUES TRAIN | Ruby Lounge | Sunday 8 May
The Victor Brox Blues train rolls back into town for Brox’s 75th birthday, along with special guests Dave Formula & The Finks and Kyla Brox. Manchester-born Brox has worked with everyone from Marvin Gaye to Stevie Wonder and counts Jimi Hendrix amongst his fans. A rare chance to enjoy the best of British blues.
Ruby Lounge, 28-34 High Street, M4 1QB (4pm; tickets £12.50 from therubylounge.com).
Travelling Man
Looking for more things to do in Manchester? Take a look at our Arts & Entertainment section...
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